Historic Rhondda Powerhouse left empty for decades could be turned into 68 flats – Wales Online
The old Rhondda Powerhouse, a building with historical significance due to its role in the Tonypandy riots of 1910, might undergo a transformation into nearly 70 flats pending approval of proposed plans. The Grade II-listed engine house would be repurposed into 44 apartments, along with the construction of two new apartment blocks comprising 24 flats on the site in Llwynypia Road, Llwynypia. The existing Powerhouse structure will be preserved with minor refurbishments to enhance its visual appeal and ensure compliance with current safety standards. However, substantial interior alterations are necessary to accommodate the proposed 44 apartments across five floors, consisting of 34 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom units.
The plan entails Block A situated between the Powerhouse and the northern access, housing eight two-bedroom self-contained apartments. Block B would be located in the southeastern corner, accommodating 16 self-contained apartments, including four one-bedroom units and 12 two-bedroom units. The flats are designated as ‘open market’ with no provision for affordable housing, with the applicant indicating that incorporating affordable housing would render the redevelopment economically unviable. The proposal includes landscaped areas spread throughout the site for biodiversity enhancement and a sustainable drainage system, with some areas also serving as communal spaces for residents. Access to the site will be through the existing entrance off Llwynypia Road, with 60 off-street parking spaces planned.
The building, abandoned for over 50 years, and its surrounding grounds are currently derelict and in dire need of renovation. Preservation efforts are crucial to prevent the structure’s decay, with one objection raised stating the significance of the Rhondda Powerhouse as a notable industrial edifice in South Wales. The objection emphasised the importance of community resources and heritage preservation through meaningful regeneration, questioning the necessity for more flats in an already saturated area. A petition urging the acquisition of the Powerhouse by Rhondda Cynon Taf for community rehabilitation garnered 562 signatures.
In light of its historical importance and prolonged neglect, recommending approval, planning officers highlighted the imperative to revive the Grade II-listed building, emphasising the lack of interest in the site’s redevelopment over the years resulting in its current dilapidated condition. While concerns regarding the scale and design of the new apartment blocks were noted, their inclusion was deemed essential for the project’s viability. The report acknowledged criticisms regarding the absence of affordable housing provision, yet deemed the current proposal the most viable option given the site’s redevelopment circumstances.
The planning application and listed building consent are slated for review by the Rhondda Cynon Taf planning committee, with additional approval required from Cadw. The conversion project aims to breathe new life into the historic structure, revitalising the prominent location and ensuring the preservation of the Powerhouse for future generations. While challenges such as interior alterations and affordable housing provision have been debated, the overall consensus leans towards the site’s redevelopment for long-term survival, balancing heritage preservation with contemporary needs and community benefits. The forthcoming decision on the proposed transformation signifies a significant juncture in the narrative of the Rhondda Powerhouse’s legacy.